We are the proud owners of used but new to us a 2008 AI and a 2011 AI. I have a couple questions.

First on the dagger board for the 2011 I do not have the same eye hook (if that is what it is called) to hook the cord too like as the 2008 model. Where do you attach that too, I know the dagger board is different on the 2011 model. Is mine 2011 missing the eye hook?

Second On the cart, I have the hd hobie cart with the cart keeper, if I am understanding correctly the plastic bushings are all the way down to the hobie pad on the crossbar. The hull is just about touching. This leaves the the cart keeper pin like 6" up into the kayak, is this correct. Or should I have the bushings adjusted up so the keeper in has a tighter kit?

On the cart, you want the bushings low enough, so crossbar just touches the hul in the center. Better yet, put it all the way down, and add a tennis ball to ceac side to cushion the hull scuppers. (a Roadrunner tip) The reason the cart is so long is the TI has a much thicker hull, and the carts are made for both (all) boats.

Rob,I take it you mean the bungee eyelet attachment point under the seat strap as seen here?

I have a new '11 hull and wondered the same thing as it's not there on mine either. After routing the DB bungee through the padeye I stretched it up to the paddle holder cleat. I'll have to get some longer bungee though as there was no stretch left in it once hooked to the cleat.What are Hobie suggesting for securing the DB bungee to on '11 models?

Stringy, that is the exact same thing I am doing with the paddle holder cleat, that just does not seem the correct way. Your picture is the same as my 2008 AI, but not the 2011. I also wonder what Hobie suggest for this?

Reconlon, thanks for the tennis ball tip. So the cart keeper pin really does not do much at the higher height? Would it be better to put another pin lower?

According to our engineers the bungee system has not changed, so I checked with the assembly line. We determined that the mold was changed for the new side handles and the eyelet was left off in error. Assembly didn't question it because the hardware locations were changed and no location for the eyelet was provided. We will be contacting dealers shortly about this, so hang tight.

This is still correct:

You will need to see a dealer for the needed parts and or installation at no charge.

If you want to locate parts before we get this to dealers, the parts required are:

Matt,Thanks for getting this sorted. What amazes me is that it sounds like it was this post that alerted Hobie to the problem. How long have the '11's been available? Don't dealers provide feedback? Makes me wonder how thoroughly changes are tested? The new handles are great but I noticed on my first trip in the new hull how they funnel water straight into the seatwell. There are many improvements in the '11 hull. The larger rudder is amazingly responsive and is not overpowered by the sail, the new rudder handle and improved line routing make for smoother steering, the hull finish is noticeably improved and I had a very dry internal hull after a quite choppy trip.It's a shame that with all these forward steps a couple of backward steps have been taken that could have been avoided by better testing before product release.

Yep... this thread is how I learned of it. People were simply hooking to the paddle cleat and figured that was that. Everyone from assembly to dealers and then users simply never noticed.

The handles were well tested on the Tandem Island since last year, but that boat is a little higher... same issue though. We are looking at foam plugs or flaps to divert water and not block the intend use. They are nice for holding while pedaling too.

Agreed Matt. They are a real benefit also when sailing in kayak mode with the small sail! I used to grab the molded indentations to 'hike out' but the handles are a huge improvement, offering a very positive grip.

PS: Might I suggest that in future, Roadrunner (if he is agreeable), be put on the payroll to give any improvements the thumbs up. These issues would never have gotten past his beady eyes!

PS: Might I suggest that in future, Roadrunner (if he is agreeable), be put on the payroll to give any improvements the thumbs up. These issues would never have gotten past his beady eyes!

Thanks for that excellent suggestion stringy! I would be thoroughly delighted to test any and all of Hobie's toys at no charge. The only downside to getting paid might be the loss of capacity to render an independent opinion or review on the forum. One shouldn't compromise one's principles in such matters ... for less than 3 or 4 dollars or a free lunch at the very least!

Having been trained by Mr. Magoo himself, all could rest easy knowing that nothing would get past these beady eyes!